Today’s wedding will leave you in a swoon! It is elegant, calming, naturally stunning and the lovely couple Ciara and Allan are so sweet, and funny. Thanks to Emily Doran for sharing this truly delightful wedding day with us.
Although they now live in Sydney, Ciara and Allan are both originally from different areas in Cork and met in 2008 whilst they were both doing the BIS Masters course in UCC.
“Our first kiss was very (or not at all) romantic! It was pub number 14 of the 12 pubs of Christmas when Allan finally worked up the courage. We both knew we were on to a good thing when we went backpacking together for four months. There were some trying times and if they didn’t break us up nothing would!” said Ciara.
“We were flying back to Ireland from Sydney in December 2012 for Allan’s sisters wedding when we got engaged. The night before we flew, we met up in the Botanic Gardens after work for a picnic to exchange our Christmas presents. Allan had picked a quiet place overlooking the Opera House and bridge and he proposed there with Fairytale of New York playing in the background. It was perfect timing as we got to fly home the next day and celebrate with all our family and friends” added Ciara.
Ciara and Allan planned their Irish wedding at Ballyseede Castle in Tralee all the way from their home in Sydney.
“Although the time difference was a pain sometimes it made planning much easier because we made quick decisions. We didn’t have the luxury of seeing loads of venues, bands and florists etc so we just took on board any recommendations from family and friends and we relied on the Internet for everything else. At times it was stressful because nothing could be done quickly but all our family and friends were willing to help out and it turns out we know a lot of talented people that donated their skills! My sister made all the wedding invitations and decor on the day, my Mom made the flower girl dresses and my friend Norma made the wedding cake,” explained Ciara.
Ciara and Allan didn’t set out with a specific theme in mind, and just wanted their day to be as relaxed as possible;
“Looking back it’s obvious I was obsessed with birds and birdcages! I had them everywhere! We wanted the whole day to be as relaxed as possible and didn’t want it to feel forced or fussy. I love wild flowers so my bouquet and hair piece added to the relaxed theme. The dress I wore was actually dress number two…..I got carried away on a Bridal Trunk Show day and bought something a lot fussier than I really wanted. Around two months before the wedding I walked past a bridal shop after the gym and saw my dress in the window. It was simple but not plain and exactly the shape I wanted . I was lucky enough that they could make it for me in time and Allan didn’t kill me for buying a second dress!” added Ciara.
“I stayed at home in Tower the night before the wedding and drove to Tralee with my parents and sister on the morning of our wedding. Allan and his family stayed in Killarney and he went for a jog with his best man in the morning around the lakes to help with the nerves. We had a civil ceremony in Ballyseede Castle so we were able to customise it to exactly as we wanted. We wrote our own vows and included music that we love, we had the Home & Away theme tune while we were signing the registry. Here Comes The Trio played beautifully during and after the ceremony. It was great too that we could include members of our families at certain points of the ceremony which really made it a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Our two flower girls were a huge hit with their dramatic petal throwing! A lot of people travelled from overseas for our wedding day which we really appreciated. Since we have been living in Australia for five years it was the first time we had seen a lot of those people in a long time. Ballyseede were absolutely great to work with, the venue itself is beautiful but the staff are so welcoming and friendly – it really made everyone feel relaxed and comfortable and the food was outstanding! Our band, Spring Break were epic at the reception – I don’t think there was space on the dancefloor all night. Overall everything went off without a hitch and we really enjoyed the day!” said Ciara.
Ciara’s Advice
Plan as much as possible beforehand and the day before the wedding off load anything that is left to other people – if it hasn’t been done by then theres no point stressing about it.
Wedding Suppliers
Venue: Ballyseede Castle, Tralee.
Dress: Skarr Bridal, Sydney.
Bridesmaids dress: Monsoon.
Grooms wear: Cailbre, Sydney.
Photographer: Emily Doran Photography.
Cake: Cakes By Norma.
Flowers: Best of Buds Florists, Tralee.
Ceremony & pre-reception entertainment: Here Comes the Trio.
Evening entertainment: Spring Break.
Honeymoon: Paris, Maldives and Singapore.